With numerous options available in the logistics industry, it can be overwhelming for companies to choose the right freight carrier. That's where Covenant comes in. Our tailored logistics solutions cater to your goals and budget, ensuring cost-effective and timely transportation.

What Is a Freight Carrier?

A freight carrier is responsible for managing and facilitating the transportation of goods from one location to another. At Covenant, we offer a range of freight transport options, including reverse logistics processes, to provide you with the most efficient and affordable solution.

Types of Freight Carriers in Logistics

When it comes to freight transportation, there are various carrier types and options to suit different shipping needs. While no single solution works for every operation, a combination of carrier services can deliver the desired results.

Common Carriers and Contract Carriers

Common carriers provide freight shipping services to the public, working with any organization that requires them. On the other hand, contract carriers operate under specific contracts signed with shippers for a set period.

Local, Regional, and National Carriers

Another way to compare freight carriers is based on their service coverage. Local carriers operate within a smaller radius, typically using small-sized trucks and offering flexible and affordable door-to-door services. Regional carriers have a wider service area, larger trucks, and more drivers, ensuring faster deliveries and a broader range of services. National freight carriers, on the other hand, cover the entire country, partnering with local and regional carriers to offer extensive services and delivery methods.

Private Carriers and For-Hire Carriers

Private carriers transport freight exclusively for a single company, ensuring greater safety and quicker issue resolution. For-hire carriers provide their services on a fee basis and often specialize in specific types of freight.

Middlemen: Freight Brokers and Freight Forwarders

You may come across middlemen in the logistics industry who help companies find suitable freight carriers. Freight brokers connect companies with carriers that fit their specific needs, streamlining the process. Freight forwarders go a step further, acting as intermediaries between shippers and carriers to consolidate freight services and optimize the entire transportation process.

Third-Party Logistics (3PLs)

3PLs play a crucial role in coordinating and optimizing the fulfillment process, reducing time delays, and streamlining operations. In this way, time delays are reduced and the entire operation is streamlined better.

Consider Your Freight Shipping Options

Choosing the right freight trucking option for your cargo can be overwhelming. But worry not, because Covenant is here to help simplify the process and meet all your logistics needs.

Consider this: in 2022 alone, a staggering 11.45 billion tons of freight were shipped by trucks in the US. With options like truckload, less than truckload (LTL), and partial truckload (PTL), it's clear that finding the right shipping method is crucial.

Let's break it down:

- Truckload (TL): Ideal for larger organizations, TL provides an entire truck exclusively for your cargo. It's a streamlined solution from pickup to delivery.

- Less than Truckload (LTL): The more common option, LTL allows for multiple companies' products to share space on one truck. This helps reduce costs but requires coordination across loading zones and connecting trucks.

- Partial Truckload (PTL): The perfect balance between TL and LTL, PTL is great for higher volume cargo. It offers flexibility in transit time but is not suitable for temperature-sensitive items.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Consider that, in 2022, the American Trucking Association stated that 11.45 billion tons of freight were shipped by trucks. It’s clear to see that options like these are important.

That's where Covenant comes in. Our expert freight management services provide customized routing and optimization, relieving the pressure of logistics. We can handle multiple needs and even offer value-added services in your warehouse or distribution center.

Ready to simplify your freight needs? Contact Covenant now for a quote and let's find the best solution for you.